SERVICEABILITY STIFFNESS OF TIMBER CONNECTIONS WITH DOWELS AND SLOTTED-IN STEEL PLATES

Abstract

The paper presents experimental stiffness measurements from large scale tests on dowel connections with both single and double slotted-in steel plates. The intended use of the results is quantification of the effect connections have on the stiffness of trusswork in glulam buildings. An engineering model of the connection stiffness is proposed and evaluated in view of the test results. The paper also shows comparisons of measured results to guidelines in European standards for timber engineering.